Makeup. Fashion. Beauty.

Finally.. Anastasia Review!

makeuptofashion — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 12:44:29 +0000

I am so excited to do this review! I gave myself plenty of time to try out these products and I have been using them every single day. I have so much to say on them so I’m going to try my best to keep it as short but informative as I can.

The first product I’m going to talk about is the purple brow kit. Inside of this beautiful case is Clear Brow Gel, Lash Lifting Mascara, Cooling Eye Brightener, Eye Lights Shadow stick in Camille, a Number 7 brush, five stencils, tweezers, and a duo brow powder in ash blonde. It is priced at $75.00 (its a $171.00 value!) and can be purchased at Sephora stores.

The Clear Brow Gel is outstanding. It doesn’t make my eyebrows looks stiff but it keeps them in their place. I apply this after I use the eyebrow powder and it looks great. It lasts all day and doesn’t flake. It is by far the best brow gel I have tried. Pictures below.

The mini sized Lash Lifting Mascara in black was not one of my favorite mascaras. It didn’t volumize my lashes as much as I would have liked. The nice things about it though was that it didn’t clump when applied, was flake free, and did hold the curl of my lash. I think it has many good qualities and could work really well for someone else.

The cooling eye brightener is unlike any product I have tried before. It has a dough foot applicator so the way I apply it is put two dots under my eyes and one dot of the outside of my eye and then pat in a circular motion until product has disappeared. It helps control sagging and puffiness(caffeine powder), it reflects light and neutralize appearance of dark circles (iridescent pigments) and is full of antioxidants. It also leaves my skin feeling cool. I love this product and it is very unique.

The matte eyelights cream to powder stick is a really good way to “trick the light”. It brings focus to the browbone and makes your arch look higher and more defined. The color is great for light to medium skin tones but I think it may show up too light for dark skin. It is a little hard to blend because of the consistency but when you blend it out it looks really great. I use this product eveyday as a final touch to my brows. TIP: use light feathery strokes when applying it because it makes it easier to blend.

The number #7 brush is the perfect dual sided brush for fixing your brows. On one side is a small angled brush that has stiff hairs that help apply the powder evenly. On the other side is a spooly that helps get the excess powder out of the brows. This keeps your brows equal. Along with the brush, it comes with amazing tweezers. They get the thin hairs and the short hairs with the angled edges. Plus they’re a cute light pink.

Next is the dual colored brow powder. The color included, ash blonde, didn’t match my brow color but when you purchase this kit you can choose your hair color. Even though the powder doesn’t match my eyebrows, I tried it on someone with light hair and the color pigmentation was natural.

The last thing included in the set was stencils, each with a different brow shape. I personally do not use stencils for doing my brows but one thing about these that I think someone who does use them will like is the they’re flexible so you can wrap them around to the contour of your face.

The next product is the highlighting brow kit. It contains three highlighting terra cotta baked shadows in Rose, Silver, and Gold. Also, it contains three shades of brow powder. It is priced at $32.00 and can be found at www.anastasia.net, Sephora, Nordstom, and Ulta.

The shadows are great for your lid or on your cheekbones. The colors aren’t extremely pigmented but they are very shimmery. You can make a lot of looks with these colors. NOTE: They can be used wet or dry.

Next is the three brow powders. One is for blondes, brunettes, and then the darkest shade would work well for dark colored eye brows. I use the middle shade and it matches perfectly to my brows. I gave my friend a make over and I used the darkest shade; it also matched her eyebrow color very nicely. They are pigmented and look natural. I apply the middle powder with my number #7 brush. They can also be used wet for a more dramatic look.

These products have become a staple in my everyday routine. They are amazing quality and are very nice to work with. I am very impressed with them and I recommend them to anyone. Check them out, they are worth every cent!

Sneak peak..

makeuptofashion — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 21:08:37 +0000

My next review will be on Anastasia cosmetics. They were kind enough to send me two of their products and so far I really like them. I’ve been trying out so many different looks so I should have the full review, with swatches, up in a few days but I just wanted to show you the products that I will be reviewing. Look out for it!

Im sorry!

makeuptofashion — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 20:58:06 +0000

Sorry, I haven’t been posting in such a long time! School hit me like a bus and Ive been so busy:/ I am going to get on it and write some more posts I just needed an adjusting period. Talk to you all soon! SGH&K

My Back to School Makeup Bag

makeuptofashion — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 03:45:13 +0000

School is starting up so you all know what that means. Shopping! Today I got all my school supplies (which added up to be over $200, oh my) and next week I’m going to the mall to catch up on all my fashions (I’ll do a post about that soon!). But one thing that usually stays the same is my simple makeup bag. I keep it simple cause it’s just to refresh in the middle of the day and continue on. So I would suggest using a small bag, maybe even a cute pencil bag. I always keep hand sanitizer, in a yummy scent, a little mascara, a powder compact, chapstick, a neutral pink lipstick, and a gloss, preferably a gloss with a clear side and a color side.

The Beauty of a Woman

makeuptofashion — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 04:16:05 +0000

Inner beauty is so important, not just the makeup, but the woman behind it..

The beauty of a woman
isn’t in the clothes she wears,
The figure that she carries,
or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman
must be seen from in her eyes;
Because that’s the doorway to her heart,
the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman
isn’t in a facial mole;
But true beauty in a woman,
is reflected by her soul.

It’s the caring that she cares to give,
the passion that she shows;
And the beauty of a woman
with passing years only grows.

- Maya Angelou

Down to Earth Review

makeuptofashion — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:36:14 +0000

“Science + Nature. The Formula For Beauty.” That’s was the first words I saw typed on the cover of Down to Earth’s booklet. I received a very professional package from Down to Earth and I came right up to my computer to take the pictures and type up my first impressions. In the envelope there was a booklet explaining the products and in the back a business card and order form were neatly settled into a folder. Along with that was a sealed zip lock bag containing two samples of The Eye Cream (full size is $37.00).

If you couldn’t tell from the first paragraph I was very impressed with this company. I have now been using The Eye Cream at night for about a week now and it has exceeded my expectations. When I first opened my sample I was very surprised that it was a bright orange, yellow color. The texture isn’t exactly creamy, it is more like a thick serum. But anyways it is very smooth and applies easily. The smell is a little strong but pleasant. It smells very natural but I can’t exactly pinpoint a scent to relate it to.

What I do before bedtime, after I have cleaned my face but before I use my moisturizer, is apply The Eye Cream using my fingers. I put it directly under my eyes and in the corners then I gently rub it in circles. It leaves my eye area feeling soft and looking youthful. It helps “firm the delicate area around the eyes to diminish the appearance and formation of fine lines and wrinkles.”

This company really has everything together. They started with a clay cleansing mask in the 1970′s and have developed into a popular company that has cleansers, moisturizers, and toners targeted to dry and oily skin in their retail line. Five of the powerful antioxidants they use in their products are Acai berry, Goji berry, Blueberry, Blackberry, and Turmeric. If you are interested into their many different products or want to find out more information on the natural ingredients they use you can go to their website (http://www.dtesc.com/buydte.php).

Top Two Drugstore Mascaras

makeuptofashion — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:56:37 +0000

Mascara is what every girl would bring on the deserted island if she had three choices. It’s a must have that brightens and opens the eye up to the world. They even have a photoshop technique now that applies to your eyes on a picture! Well anyway, it’s a staple to your everyday routine but why spend a lot of money if you don’t have too? I’ve tried brand after brand of mascaras and I have picked my top two that I absolutely love that are low in price.

The first is L’Oreal telescopic, the original, in blackest black. It has been a favorite of mine for awhile now and through all the “trends” I always come back to this one. It’s like the perfect ex boyfriend, if that even exists. This is really great for lengthening, probably the best lengthener out of the two, gives a hint of volume, and really defines the lashes at its end. The brush is curved at the end and is covered with little spikes. It stays on all day but you might have to reapply if you take it to the night time. One of my favorite things about it though is that it virtually does not flake off. It doesn’t clump at all. The brush attachment to the wand is slightly weak but mine hasn’t broken yet and I’m almost out of the product.It even washes off really nicely (but it doesn’t run in the pool or if you cry!) The price is$7.58. I would recommend it to anyone.

The next one is new by Maybelline and I’m sure you have all heard the hype. The name is “Falsies” (who wouldn’t want to try that?) It is in black and it is, out of the two, the best volume mascara. It inflates my lashes and definetly pulls off that “false lash fullness” without the sticky glue and worry of one falling off and hanging by your eye (personal expirence people). To keep it short it doesn’t flake, it has some clumping issues, and it lasts through the day and night. The finish is very shiny. I’ve gotten numerous compliments on my eyes when I wear this mascara. The one thing is I would not recommend this product to anyone that has very short lashes because the brush is too big to latch on and apply the product. The price is $8.49.

I know people usually do the top three but I just wanted to share with you guys my favorite volumizing and lengthening. I swear by these two. I hope you have luck with them:) SGH&K<3

July 4th Fashion

makeuptofashion — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 22:32:44 +0000

The fireworks are exploding and the sparklers are crackling. That means Forth of July is in full swing. To make a big boom wherever you go you have to have the perfect outfit that shows pride in your country while looking amazing.
Let me start from the beginning. The most important part is the dress. This is a navy blue Tommy Hilfiger dress with a white rope pattern. The straps and tie in the front is like a shoe lace material in white. The picture to the right is the dress (on me!) paired with the white rope belt from Forever 21.
The purse is from a department store and it is in a deep red color. I know for sure that it was under $30.00. It has zipper pockets on both sides plus an adjustable shoulder strap. The belt in the left picture is the same one that is paired with the dress and it was under $10.00. For underneath the dress I would suggest a strapless bra. the one pictured is white with lace detailing on the back. It was made by Lily of France and I bought it from Kohls. It was only $10.00. It is the best strapless bra I have ever owned because you don’t have to constantly adjust it. Also the cup shape is very natural.
The shoes are definitely my favorite part of this outfit. They are wedges from Old Navy. They have a four inch lift but only a three inch difference from the front to the back, which is great! Also I got them on sale so I know that they were less than $30.00.
The last part of the outfit which is really the finishing touch that makes the whole thing sparkle is the jewelry. You want to keep it light because the pattern of the dress is very overbearing if paired with stand out jewelry. The earring are simple small hang down cubic zirconium from American Eagle. I believe they were $12.00. The ring is from Forever 21 and I got it for $5.00. It is a ropey design with a jewel in the middle. They are both shiny silver pieces.
This outfit made a splash at my Forth of July party. It was also very affordable. SGH&K

MAC Concealing Power

makeuptofashion — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 22:31:34 +0000

MAC is one of the most popular makeup brands out there. I don’t know if it’s their sleek black packaging or their bold colors that traps the eye but it definitely knows how to draw any make-up lover in. It is more expensive than drugstore delights but it also has top notch quality. As of right now I own two concealers by them, Studio Finish ($16.50) and Select Cover-up ($16.50).I’m just going to tell you everything about each of these products plus a little tip about MAC concealers.
The first one I’m going to talk about, which is also my favorite, is the Studio Finish. It comes in what looks like a MAC eye shadow case. One amazing upside is that it has a SPF of 35. It is a spot cover concealer and works very well for oily skin. I would not use this product for undereye circles because it would cake up under the eye within hours. The color it is shown in the picture is NW20. I would recommend applying it with some sort of concealer brush, MAC 195 or e.l.f’s concealer brush from their studio line. After applying it to the spot with the brush you should then blend it in with your finger to get the most natural look you can. I would suggest this one to anybody because I know it is a sure crowd pleaser.
Next is the Select Cover-up. Now I really like this concealer but I messed up when buying it and I have learned this important tip when picking my shade. I now know to always pick the shade that is one up from my MAC foundation shade. I bought this in the same shade as my foundation (NW15) and it is much to light. Because of this I use it only for under my eyes (which the consistency makes it perfect for) and along the sides of my nose. I apply this concealer only with my fingers in a patting motion. After I pat most of it in I then blend it down into my skin, making sure it is very even. The amount I squeeze into my finger for both undereye areas and my nose is less then a pea size. The coverage on in this concealer is not as heavy as the studio finish. After all my searching for drugstore dupes for these products I have not found any that fit the bill. They are worth the extra money in the long run. You can purchase these products at any MAC store or counter or at their website (http://www.maccosmetics.com/). SGH&K<3

Benefit Cosmetics

makeuptofashion — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 22:29:14 +0000

Review topic: Benefit cosmetics. It’s goal: Beautify the world. This company has definitely got a hit list to make everyone out there gorgeeeouss. They recently sent me three of their products in mini sizes, High Beam, BadGal mascara, and Erase Paste. I also have Hoola bronzer in the full size.
High Beam ($24.00) is “luminescent complexion enhancer” which, to me, is a beautiful pinkish subtle shimmery highlight. I’ve worked with this product for a couple of weeks now and have concluded that it works best under my browbone and on my cheek bones. I apply it to both areas using my fingers.
Next is BadGal mascara ($19.00). It’s awesome. I’d say it does a bit more lengthening than volumizing but it does both very well. The brush is very large and it coats every single lash!
For the last product they sent to me, the Erase Paste ($26.00), it is not my favorite concealer just because it is a bit sticky and has melon undertones that don’t match my skin. Some people love it and some have some issues with it. I’d say try it in the store before you decide.
Lastly is the Hoola bronzer ($28.00) which I think is great. It gives a matte, tan color without making your skin look orangey. The color is easily buildable and works great on oily skin (my type) and dry (a friend who also tried its type). It came with a small brush but I recommend using it with the MAC 129. You can purchase at Ulta, Sephora, and their website (http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/gp/home.html). SGH&K<3